Maribor

Though it counts less than half the population of Slovenia’s national capital, Ljubljana, Maribor boasts a legion of important museums and galleries, its own university, one of the nation’s earliest theaters and a wonderfully atmospheric old town flanking the languid Drava River. Best of all, it is surrounded by hills, forests and vineyards. To the southwest is the Maribor Pohorje, a hilly recreational area that offers heaps of easy walks and more difficult hikes in spring, summer and autumn. There’s also a professional-level mountain bike park here with 30 obstacles running 2 1/2 miles through the forest. In winter, the Maribor Pohorje ...

Though it counts less than half the population of Slovenia’s national capital, Ljubljana, Maribor boasts a legion of important museums and galleries, its own university, one of the nation’s earliest theaters and a wonderfully atmospheric old town flanking the languid Drava River. Best of all, it is surrounded by hills, forests and vineyards. To the southwest is the Maribor Pohorje, a hilly recreational area that offers heaps of easy walks and more difficult hikes in spring, summer and autumn. There’s also a professional-level mountain bike park here with 30 obstacles running 2 1/2 miles through the forest. In winter, the Maribor Pohorje transforms itself into Slovenia’s largest ski area, with 50 miles of slopes, 22 miles of cross-country runs and 20 tows and lifts. And for oenophiles, Maribor is the gateway to the Mariborske and Slovenske Gorice wine-growing regions, famed for their whites (notably Riesling and Pinot Blanc). But most people know Maribor for the Lent festival, a two-week celebration of folklore, culture and music that is one of the largest in Slovenia.

About the Expert

Steve Fallon has more than two dozen years of experience as a travel writer and guidebook author, having written or contributed to some 80 Lonely Planet and other guides.